Review: Cub And Brown

Cub is a boy scout on camp - a young lad full of tips and hints for outdoor survival. He knows all about the sensible and necessary things in life like tying shoe-laces, wearing a hat and carrying a shovel. 

As with all good boy scouts, his motto is Be Prepared. And so, he is prepared for anything. Anything that is, except for meeting a bear in the woods.

Brown is a bear in the woods, who lives in a very messy (human) house, is scared of rabbits and wears shoes with laces that he can’t quite do up.

What are the chances that these two will meet – and in the woods, no less?! You guessed it correctly! About one hundred percent.

The relationship between the two characters is quite delightful and delves into what it means to be a good friend, how to overcome fears even when they’re irrational, accepting others, having fun, doing the right thing, and of course, practising the old outdoor survival skills.

This eminently readable chapter book instantly took me back to my own childhood – with its gorgeous hard cover that’s the perfect size for small hands, an enticing full-colour image on the front and a wonderful interior design.

The sometimes scribbly but always reassuring black and white illustrations throughout, along with scouting ‘tips’ as chapter headings, are engaging and will encourage children to read on. 

Cub And Brown is uplifting and friendly with enough surprises to keep readers guessing, along with those gorgeous, silent observations that adults reading the book aloud will revel in without their small companions necessarily cottoning on.

A delightful, wholesome read.

Title: Cub And Brown
Author: Edwina Wyatt
Illustrator: Evie Barrow
Publisher: Walker Books, $19.99
Publication Date: 2 August 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781760654641
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction